The UK’s role in global offshore wind – the importance of learning and partnerships

Maf SmithDeputy Chief Executive, RenewableUK

March 2014

RenewableUK: key roles

 

““The voice of wind and marine energy” The voice of wind and marine energy”

founded in 1978 as the British Wind Energy Association founded in 1978 as the British Wind Energy Association

In wind, we represent developers, manufacturers and the In wind, we represent developers, manufacturers and the supply chain from micro-wind turbines up to utility scale on supply chain from micro-wind turbines up to utility scale on and offshore wind.and offshore wind.

In marine, we work across wave and tidal energy to support a In marine, we work across wave and tidal energy to support a new generation technology as it establishes itself in the UKnew generation technology as it establishes itself in the UK

Offshore renewables in UK: key past trends

Growth in UK Deployment Growth in UK Deployment

March 2004: 32 turbines deployedMarch 2008: 149 turbinesMarch 2014: 1,075 turbines

UK offshore scorecard: summary

Current offshore wind status: Current offshore wind status:

• Number of turbines: 1,075

• Installed capacity: 3,653MW

• No. of wind farms built: 22

• In construction / planning approval: 12

• Contribution to UK electricity supply: 4%

• UK direct employment: 6,830

UK in comparison to other countries

UK position: future trends

In the UK: •Within 5 years

10% of UK net electricity •By 2023

10GW+ deployed•By 2030

Chief renewable technology on the grid UK expertise recognised

internationally Electricity systems

interconnected across Europe

A global industry:

How we can work together to deliver?

• Offshore wind is developing at scale, and has a lot expected of it

• Without offshore wind UK will struggle to meet its 2020 targets, and our economy will struggle to decarbonise and hit 2050 climate change targets

• To do this offshore wind needs to demonstrate it can deliver at scale, while reducing cost and delivering UK economic benefit

• And that it can demonstrably be a sustainable source of generation

Thank you

Questions?

Maf Smith, Deputy Chief Executivemaf.smith@renewableuk.com